Clinical Interests: Family-centered, interdisciplinary care of critically ill infants, with special interest in neuroprotection, specifically in preterm infants.

Scholarly Focus: Dr. Chao has a background in basic and translational research focused on diffuse white matter injury in preterm infants. She continues to work with collaborators at Duke University on the therapeutic potential of oxysterols in rescuing neonatal white matter injury. She is co-leading the NEC/SIP quality improvement initiative at the University of Washington, as well as helping to develop new division guidelines for hypotension.

Administration/Education Roles: Dr. Chao enjoys teaching medical students, residents, fellows and APP trainees in the University of Washington and Providence Regional Medical Center NICUs through case discussions, didactics and clinical bedside teaching. She is currently working with nursing and physical therapists to further education on neurodevelopmentally appropriate care and bedside assessments for pediatric residents in the University of Washington NICU.